Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) (Online Learning) (Taught)

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) refers to the physical, emotional and developmental effects of alcohol exposure during pregnancy.

Neurodevelopmental disorders are known to be caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. Health services worldwide are struggling to measure and address the issue.

In March 2022 the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published UK-wide guidance for assessing and diagnosing FASD, building on guidance published in 2019 by the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidance Network (SIGN 156).

FASD is a public health issue, affecting roughly 3.25-5% of the general population. FASD is also thought to be overrepresented in justice and corrections, out-of-home care, and homelessness, mental health, and addictions services (Popova et al., 2019).

Few health professionals are familiar with the disorder and even fewer are confident in providing an assessment. In many countries, FASD remains underdiagnosed, therefore, a greater diagnostic capacity is needed to meet demand (Clarren et al., 2011).

This programme will provide you with the skills and understanding to:

• recognise potential cases of FASD

• conduct a diagnostic assessment with a wider multi-disciplinary team

• develop clinical formulations of presenting difficulties

• provide care and treatment recommendations

You will be guided in this practice by an understanding of the context in which prenatal alcohol exposure occurs so that you can conduct your work in a trauma-informed, non-judgemental manner, and work sensitively with families.

The programme addresses recent calls for training in FASD for Health, Education and Social Care professionals.

As the first FASD-focused university course in the UK, and one of few worldwide, this programme is designed to meet the needs of practising health and social care professionals by being accessible online and part-time.